Make The Switch To The Most Sustainable Building Material

Wood Solutions explains that “the answer lies in timber’s low embodied energy – that is, minimal non-renewable energy is consumed in the production of and construction with timber. Timber also has inherent thermal properties, meaning timber structures rely less on carbon-emitting heating and cooling devices. Add to this timber’s recyclability, the fact that it stores carbon for life, and has a high aesthetic quality“.

By taking all factors that timber has to offer into consideration, sustainably harvested wood is our answer to a greener future. The Victorian Association of Forestry Industries (VAFI) has stated that: “timber is a renewable, biodegradable, recyclable product”.

Compared to timber, your other choices are building materials such as aluminium, steel, concrete and plastic – which are all responsible for emitting huge amounts of GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions and have high embodied energy content.
You can compare the figures for yourself in this extract of an embodied energy table from the Victorian Government.

• Before harvesting, all flora, fauna, silvicultural, historical and cultural aspects are surveyed, plotted and allowed for.
• The harvesting process is scientifically designed to mimic the natural growth pattern of Victorian Ash timber species to ensure an organic cycle.
• In excess of 400 million seeds are planted each year.
• 100% of each log we receive is used. E.g. the sawdust is used as a green energy solution to power our kilns.
• Up to 50% of the weight of kiln-dried Victorian Ash has actually stored carbon of approximately 320kg per cubic metre. This is far more helpful for lifecycle assessment and embodied energy considerations than other building materials or soft woods.
• We are proudly third party audited for Australian Forest Standard (AFS), the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC), the Environmental Management System ISO14001.

For even more sustainability facts, read our ASH sustainability page.